Mixed Media Acrylic Portrait

Morning Friends and Crafter, Im back today with another mixed media project for you, There are lots of extra photos to go with this tutorial, making it very easy to follow. It's one of those pieces that really does look better in real life the camera just hasn't picked up the colour as much as I would have liked. With Cyber Weekend in full swing it's really a good time to get all of your essentials and while your at it why not treat yourself to something new.

You will need:

Craftascope A5 Media Stencil 'Bailey' (Only available at my Etsy Shop or via Hochanda)

8 x 8 Board, Here I have used Zutter but any board will be perfect.

Pebeo Studio Acrylics Modeling Paste

Indigoblu 'Townhouse Teal Acrylic Paint

Pebeo Deco Paint (81) Mango

Dylusions 'Squeezed Orange'

Eco Green 'White' Acrylic Paint

Black Gesso

Step 1: Add a couple of inches of the modelling paste to your board.

Step 2: With a palette knife, spread over the surface unevenly.  

Step 3: Cover with a sheet of medical gauze, making sure it makes contact with the paste, especially around the edges.

Step 4: Start building texture around the board, making sure you leave an area for your portrait. Coat each layer with the paste before adding and molding to your project.

Step 5: Repeat step 4.

Step 6: Keep building layers as before to create as much texture and dimension as you like. Leave this to dry thoroughly before continuing.

Step 7: Start adding your background colours. Have lots of fun and dont think about it at all!!!

Step 8: Add a little white Gesso where the face will go, again dont be careful with it, keep away from heavy lines. Add the Gesso roughly. If you add to much you can always add more colour.

Step 9: Lightly trace your 'Bailey' Stencil, use only one set of lines, either the inside, outside or a mixture of both, you dont want to draw around all of them or you will get a thick line. each choice will give you a different look.

Step 10: Use a graphite pencil to deepen the lines of your face, roughly.

Step 11: Start building up more colour to you piece, darker around the edges by adding the smallest amount of black Gesso with your finger. Next use the mango, again with your finger to start building up the features, nose round the chin and cheeks. Use the colours first then to deepen use the smallest amount of black and only if needed, as the colours mix they will give you the depth.

Step 12, 13 & 14: Continue building your layers of colour, until you are happy. Don't worry if you go through stages, when you dont like it, carry on. I went through a lot with this piece. Remember it's not finished till you decide and white Gesso is a very good friends sometimes.

My Etsy shop 'Craftascope' is now open and fully stocked, I have joined in the Cyber Weekend by adding a 20% discount on all orders over 30 pounds (or equivalent) with free postage and packing, until tomorrow, or while the stock lasts. There is a link at the top of each blog page or CLICK HERE.

I do hope you have enjoyed the Tutorial along with the finished project. Maybe try it especially if it's something you have never done before, It's always fun to try something new, It's always fun and there's never a dull moment in crafting, more inspiration to come so do pop back. Take care and Happy Crafting.xxx